Politician K Annamalai has criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over what he called the excessive violence and misogynistic content being allowed in Indian films. Referring to Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, Annamalai said even films featuring major stars should be subject to strict scrutiny by the censor board.
Responding to reporters' questions about Geetu Mohandas directorial, Toxic, produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Annamalai said India needs stricter enforcement of certification rules, particularly when films contain extreme violence or portray women in a degrading manner.
“Films are freely showing extreme violence and scenes that demean women. Audiences are being made to watch such disturbing content. I am not asking for any film to be banned. But the censor board must do its job properly, irrespective of how big the star in the film is,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the enforcement of the ‘A’ certificate, arguing that minors should not be allowed into screenings of films certified for adults. He claimed that some single-screen theatres do not strictly enforce the rule.
“Films with an ‘A’ certificate should not allow minors inside theatres. The rule is not being followed strictly by some single-screen theatre owners. Excessive violence and the glorification of male dominance could have an adverse influence on young people,” he said.
Annamalai also objected to the way women are portrayed in some films, particularly when they are reduced to objects of sexual gratification. He argued that repeatedly normalising such portrayals could have an impact on how younger audiences view women.
He further questioned the popularity of films that contain such imagery, pointing to the large opening figures of big-star releases.
“We are seeing films with titles such as Toxic and the way women are portrayed in them. Such films have made hundreds of crores on the first day. If our children and students are allowed to watch such films every day, where will the safety of women in this country stand?” he asked.
Annamalai said the Indian film industry needs to reconsider the kind of content it presents, given cinema’s influence on society. He also stressed that his criticism was not a call to ban films, but for the CBFC to exercise greater responsibility while certifying them.
“We go to towns and colleges and speak tirelessly about the safety of women. At the same time, if films show such content, they are sending the wrong message to society,” he said.
He urged the CBFC to enforce certification guidelines more strictly and ensure that age restrictions are followed, particularly when films contain extreme violence or content that could influence younger audiences.
